THE billionaire owner of Bournemouth-based Amigo Loans could put Dorset festivals attended by tens of thousands of people into administration, according to reports.

Tycoon James Benamore has filed notices at the High Court of his intention to appoint administrators to Bestival Group, Bestival Ltd and Camp Bestival, according to The Sunday Times.

Richmond Group Debt Capital, a vehicle privately owned by Benamor, extended a loan of up to £1.6m to the festival in February last year and took a charge over some assets, according to separate filings at Companies House.

Tickets are already being sold for the 2019 event.

A statement on Camp Bestival's website said: "We can confirm the Bestival Group has had some financial challenges of late but the process we are in allows a new partner to come on board with the financial commitments required to deliver Camp Bestival 2019 in its finest form.

"As we stand currently, there is every intention to make this show happen, and move forward into a new era.

"Thanks and love to all our wonderful Camp Bestival community for all your support X"

Bestival was started in 2004 by the DJ Rob Gorham — aka Rob da Bank — and his wife Josie.

The event moved to Lulworth Castle last year.

This year’s performers included Mark Ronson, Grace Jones and London Grammar.